Healthier cows and lower feed costs
by practicing Intensive Rotational Grazing

The rainy days that we all complain about produce abundant pastures. Most of the land that surrounds our farmstead is more efficiently harvested as pastures than row crops or hay. We are located in a narrow valley with steep banks on both sides. It has always been difficult to till and harvest these fields but they make excellent pasture.

Intensive rotational grazing is a rather complicated process, especially with larger cow numbers. We have however found it to be very rewarding in the aspects of the herd health, esp. reducing foot problems, and in reducing feed expense. It is also an essential part of organic dairy farming.

The major issues we have faced in this area are procuring a water source available to cows in all paddocks, proper scheduling of the rotations to ensure a healthy regrowth of pastures and just recently problems with motorists not not stopping for the cow crossing. Of course there is also a LOT more fences to build and maintain.

Somehow, though, this all seems worth it just to see a full grown cow run across the pasture and kick her heels at the joy of being out in the green grass. That is something you never experience in a total confinement system.